PMA 2010 Report

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PMA 2010 - Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM lens. This is the first ultra wide zoom lens with a minimum focal length of 8mm, designed specifically for APS-C size image sensors. The new Sigma 8-16mm lens has an equivalent angle of view of a 12-24mm lens when used on digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor. The wide-angle of view from 121.2 degrees produces striking images with exaggerated perspective, enabling photographers to emphasize the subject. Four FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements, which have the performance equal to fluorite glass, compensate for color aberration. One hybrid aspherical lens and two glass mold elements give excellent correction for distortion and astigmatism.

During the PMA, Sony Japan announced several new lenses; that is to say, they have announced the developments. It strikes us that hardly any announcements, if even any at all, were made about the Sony Alpha system during PMA 2009. A large showcase received a prominent place, showcasing the available lenses for the Alpha. Among them, we find the new concept lenses, which were announced rather inconspicuously by Sony Japan during the past week. It is not even likely that these concept models will actually appear on the market as Sony lenses. It's more about showing the possibilities of the Alpha system.

The legendary Zeiss Distagon T* 2,8/21 is now being introduced for SLR cameras with EF, F and K bayonets. Thanks to its excellent performance, this modernized version from the former Contax system sets new standards in this focal length class. "The outstanding correction of chromatic aberration enables photos without color fringes even in high-contrast light conditions", says Martin Klottig, Marketing Manager, Carl Zeiss Camera Lens Division. "Even at full aperture, the floating element design ensures optimum edge-to-edge image quality over the entire focusing range. And even in difficult light conditions, the new Zeiss Distagon provides excellent results thanks to its T* coating, optimum reflection reduction and exceptional chromatic correction."

Lensbaby announces a new 0.42x Super Wide Lens for use with their new line of selective focus lenses - The Composer, The Muse, The Control Freak and their companion Lensbaby Optic Swap System consisting of Double Glass, Single Glass, Plastic, and Pinhole/Zone plate interchangeable optics. The .42x Super Wide lens has optics that are optimized for use with Lensbaby lenses, eliminating the diffusion and reducing the vignetting that occur when industry standard wide angle conversion lenses are used with a Lensbaby lens. The Lensbaby 0.42x Super Wide Lens will retail for $79.95, and begins shipping by the end of March 2009.

Three new Lensbaby lenses - The Composer, The Muse and The Control Freak, - make up the new line of products. Each features the new Lensbaby Optic Swap system. The new Lensbaby Muse and the new Lensbaby Control Freak replace the current Original, Lensbaby 2.0, and Lensbaby 3G lenses, which will be phased out immediately. With the Composer, Lensbaby introduces a completely new lens, based on a ball and socket configuration that delivers smooth selective focus photography with unparalleled ease of use and greater precision. All Lensbaby lenses provide photographers with a new way to control depth of field by bringing one area of a photo into sharpest focus with that Sweet Spot surrounded by graduated blur.

Panasonic unveils a standard interchange-able zoom lens called the Lumix G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. as a new member of the Lumix G Micro System. The new Panasonic Lumix G lens incorporates an inner focus direct-drive linear motor for focusing, which enables smooth, silent operation of its fast and accurate contrast AF system, for use in both photo and movie recording. Adopting the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the new lens offers a wide and long zoom range of 14-140mm (35mm camera equivalent: 28-280mm) to suit a large variety of shooting situations, from scenery to portraits or telephoto shots, in a surprisingly compact and lightweight body.

Panasonic unveils a new interchangeable ultra wide-angle zoom lens called the Panasonic Lumix G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH. In spite of its impressive wide-angle zoom range of 7-14mm (35mm camera equivalent; 14-28mm), the new lens is surprisingly compact and lightweight for casual on-the-go use. Taking advantage of its wide, 114-degree angle of view, users can easily fit subjects into the frame even when shooting indoors where the distance is limited. The world looks extraordinary when viewed through the new lens, allowing photos and movies to be recorded with a uniquely rich perspective.

The market for lenses is growing like never before. The increasing popularity of digital SLR cameras also increases the demand for DSLR lenses. Thanks to the advent of the Micro Four Thirds System, heavily promoted by Panasonic and Olympus, a new market has arisen, with a possible potential to grow into a substantial market share. The PMA International Convention and Trade Show 2011 is the spot for manufacturers to bring their product line to the public. Many different zoom lenses, including the wide-angle lenses, which are interesting for the amateur photographer, and the fixed focus lenses from wide-angle to ultra telephoto lenses. The professional photographer is looking forward to seeing the full-format optimized lens. We predict the Micro Four Thirds as a strong newcomer on the PMA 2011.